Almost there - thank you to everyone on here who gave me advice and support

[RichardsPanda]

In a few weeks I will be divorced and will own my own home (albeit with a massive mortgage). It's taken three years since the thought first entered my head that I could do this.

I read lots of threads before I started a few of my own (under other usernames). The first was about how I felt about having sex with my H, how I was repulsed by it and whether I would be able to rekindle sexual attraction for him. I got a lot of stick on that thread but I remember two replies that really made me think. One said that they felt like that when they had lost respect for a partner and another pleaded for me to stop having sex I didn't want. It took me two years to stop but I did it.

I also remember reading on someone else's thread the comment that the only reason you needed to end a relationship was that it wasn't what you wanted any more - that's it, the end, that's all. And that you don't owe anyone a relationship. Both of these ideas were a revelation to me and helped me to see things in a new way.

I felt totally trapped but I have freed myself, and my children. They are fine, thriving, not devastated like he said they would be. Their lives haven't been ruined like he said they would be. I'm not shunned by my friends and family like he said I would be. I've had so much support in real life from acquaintances as well as close friends and family.

I want to say to anyone feeling trapped, that you can do it, even if it takes time you can do it, one step at a time. I am so happy now and looking forward to the future. I turned 50 recently and a whole new chapter of my life is starting - it feels great.

[Mattscap]

It's so encouraging to read your post OP, here's to the next 50 happy years.

[LillyMom]

So happy for you!

[FreeFromHarm]

Wishing you years of health and happiness 💐

[springydaffs]

Ah what a GREAT post